Interim superintendent appointed in Holmdel
BY MICHELLE ROSENBERG
Staff Writer

“I look forward to a very enjoyable stay here in Holmdel. It’s a district that I’ve always admired from afar.” — Mark J. Franceschini

HOLMDEL — The Board of Education recently appointed a retiree to the position of interim superintendent.

Mark J. Franceschini, 68, of Sea Girt, was unanimously appointed to the position at the Sept. 7 workshop meeting. He was appointed for one year, effective Sept. 8.

“I look forward to a very enjoyable stay here in Holmdel,” Franceschini said. “It’s a district that I’ve always admired from afar.”

Franceschini has over 30 years experience in the education field, including 11 years as the superintendent of the Wall Township School District.

Prior to his position in Wall, he was the assistant superintendent in the Paulsboro School District.

Franceschini retired in 1993 under the N.J. Early Retirement Act and has since taken on interim positions in numerous districts, including Paulsboro, Bradley Beach and Farmingdale.

He holds a doctorate degree in administration from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and a master’s degree in mathematics education from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), Glassboro. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University, Philadelphia.

Franceschini said he is adjusting to the Holmdel School District well, and credits former Superintendent Maureen Flaherty for assisting in creating a smooth transition.

Flaherty, who resigned from the position last month to take over as the superintendent of the Massapequa, N.Y., school district, is still working part time in Holmdel, helping Franceschini learn his way around.

Franceschini said his goal for the district in the time he is here is to “keep an even keel until a new super comes on.” He acknowledged that the district has problems, but said that every district has problems. He said from what he has seen so far, the district is headed in the right direction.

“Everyone’s rowing in the same direction, and if they are not, I don’t know about it yet,” he said.

Franceschini was selected after the board interviewed five qualified candidates.

“We’re delighted he’s here,” board member Barbara Garrity said.

The Holmdel Township Education Association [HTEA] also welcomed the interim.

“We welcome Dr. Franceschini and we look forward to working with him,” HTEA President Kathy Hodecker said.

The board is currently seeking a permanent superintendent. At this time, they are in the process of interviewing three search firms to assist in the appointment of the position.

Interviews are expected to be conducted tonight during an executive work session held in the superintendent’s office.

The board is hopeful to appoint a search firm by the second board meeting in October, which will be held Oct. 12.

On another note, the board will now begin holding two monthly meetings, on the first and second Wednesdays of each month. The first will be a workshop and the second will be a regular public meeting.

For a complete list of meeting dates, visit the district’s Web site at www.holmdel.k12.nj.us.